Akeredolu has progressed massively with his grassroot campaign in Ondo State as he continues to meet with major stakeholders across the Local Government Areas in the State.
Rotimi Akeredolu
All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has promised traders in the state a lucrative micro credit scheme, if elected, according to the Vanguard.
Akeredolu made this known, yesterday, while meeting with market men and women at the Olukayode International Shopping Complex, Akure, the state capital.
Akeredolu, who was represented at the meeting by the Director General of his campaign platform, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan also vowed to run a practical government devoid of sentiment.
“What you need is a robust micro-credit scheme that will grow your business lucratively. When we get to office, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will come here to group you into at least 10 cooperative societies to be headed by elected leaders.
"A bank will be designated to manage the disbursement and repayment of the micro-credit funds to the cooperative societies. Government officials will not handle anything and the bank will not engage individuals other than the cooperative society so as to encourage accountability and transparency.
“Government will serve as guarantor for the cooperative societies. The Interest rate will be so affordable that everyone will be encouraged to participate and 50 per cent of the interest on every loan will be paid by government. The interest rate will be subsidized.
"The least money each cooperative society will get is N25 million. We want to truly empower you. When we help you to grow your businesses, there will be money in the economy.’’
Responding on behalf of the traders, the President of the Market Men and Women Association of Nigeria, Olukayode Complex branch, Mr Charles Balogun, thanked Akeredolu for his visit and promised to work for his success at the poll.